29.4.15

Wisła Kraków was founded in May 1906 by students of the Second Practical School in Kraków, In 1925 they made the first appearance in the Polish championship, which that season was formed of 3 leagues of 3 teams followed by a round-robin final. Wisła reached the final stage but finished bottom of the table. In 1927 the Championship took on a more familiar form. 14 teams took part and Wisła emerged as champions (scoring an average of 3.6 goals per game in the process). They repeated the feat the following season. Polish artist Wlastimil Hofman painted the 1927 team:

27.4.15

A reporter has had an interview with Major Marindin, the
president of the football association, who said at first he was opposed to the
introduction of professionals, but he admits the result has been most
satisfactory, for bona fide professionals it has been found do not play by any
means so rough a game as do many so called amateurs. Many of them earn as much
as £2 a week all the year round and their brilliant playing has certainly done not a little for the game as a
whole. “The great curse of Association football
at the present moment is the rough game adopted by a large number of clubs. We
are determined to put this down. Our rules
are strong enough, but our difficulty is to get umpires with sufficient moral
courage to stop rough play. In any case I
may remark that the Association is not so dangerous a game as Rugby. We get
fractures and broken limbs, but we don’t get injuries to the neck and back that
prove so fatal to the Rugby players. As
to betting at football, it is undoubtedly a great evil. It hardly exists in the
South to such an extent as one finds it in the North. There books are made on every great match, and
a large amount of money without question changes hands.” “Is it for this reason”
the Reporter asked “that such huge gates follow on great football matches?” “Hardly”
replied the Major. “Football is rapidly becoming such a popular game that it is
drawing even larger crowds than cricket. At the same time, I don’t think our
clubs are making as much money as the public think. You see they have to keep 11 or 15 players in
service all the year round, and the travelling expenses of these are very
large.

26.4.15

We have previously alluded to the position of the Queen's Park club as a de facto governing body within Scottish football.

It comes as no surprise, then, to find that when steps were taken to actually form a Scottish Football Association that Queen's Park were the originators of the scheme.

It all began with a proposal for a knock out competition along the lines of the FA Cup. On February 8th 1873 the committee of Queen's Park instructed the secretary, Archibald Rae to write to all Scottish clubs proposing a cup competition.

The resulting meeting on 13th March, 1873, was attended by representatives of the following clubs (along, of course, with Queen's Park themselves):

Clydesdale

Founded 1872, dissolved 1881, based in Kinning Park in south Glasgow (later home to Rangers).

Vale of Leven

Founded 1872, dissolved 1929,from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire (to the west of Glasgow).In 1876 they became the first club to defeat Queen's Park ever! One of the first teams to seriously challenge the dominance of Queen's Park. Won the cup in 1877, 1878 and 1879.

Rovers FC

1873-78. Played at The Queen's Park , a public park in which Queen's Park had originally played. Rovers expressed an interest in the venture, but are not listed as founding members of the SFA.

Dumbreck

1871-79, based at Glasgow's Ibroxhill.

3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers

Founded in 1872, the Cathkin Park club survived until 1967. Their military connections were by then a distant memory. Cup winners in 1889 and 1905.EasternActive from 1873-85 Eastern were another 'public park' team based in Glasgow.Granville 1872-78. This was Granville's only entry into The Scottish Cup. 3 of the players in Scotland's first international XI were members of the club (as well as being members of Queen's Park).

The resolution passed on March 13th was:

The clubs here represented form themselves into an association for the promotion of football according to the rules of The Football Association and that the clubs connected with this association subscribe for a challenge cup to be played for annually, the committee to propose the laws of the competition.

One of the oldest clubs in Scotland, founded in 1869, Kilmarnock were technically not founder members. They did, however, send a letter to the meeting giving their support to the proposals . They had to wait a while for their cup successes, which came in 1920, 1929, and 1997.

These 9 clubs were joined by the following 7 for the first round of the the first edition of the Scottish FA Cup in October 1873.Alexandra Athletic1873-84- based in the East End of Glasgow.Callander1872-74- a short lived Glasgow club who were Rangers' first ever opponents.Dumbarton1872- present. Currently in the second tier of Scottish football. Appeared in 6 Cup Finals in the 19th century , winning in 1883.Renton1872-1922. The Dunbartonshire club were one of the big names in 19th century game. Played in 5 Cup Finals in the 19th Century, winning in 1885 and 1888. They were World Champions in 1888.Blythswood1872-79. From Kelvinside in Glasgow.Southern1872-75. Scratched from their only ever Scottish FA Cup match.Western1873-78. Another Glasgow suburban team.

23.4.15

This rather solemn looking cricketer should be a familiar face to all students of Association football history. On March 16th 1872 at The Oval The Wanderers played The Royal Engineers in the first ever FA Cup Final. Fifteen minutes into the match Wanderers' 18 year old forward Robert Walpole Sealy Vidal succeeded in dribbling the ball a considerable distance into the Engineers' territory. Vidal centered and a teammate finished off the move from an acute angle. The goalscorer was listed on the teamsheet as A.H Chequer. His actual name was Morton Peto Betts, known as Monty, a 24 year old Old Harrovian and Cambridge University student. Bett's pseudonym arose from his membership of Harrow Chequers, It was common in the amateur era for players to be members of a number of clubs simultaneously. As an Old Harrovian Betts was naturally a member of their old boys' side- the Chequers, founded in 1865. Chequers had been drawn to play against Wanderers in the first round of the FA Cup, but had withdrawn. There has been speculation that Betts chose his rather transparent alias to avoid being 'cup-tied.' It may, however, simply have been an example of the humour of the day. I note that in one early West Kent fixture one of the forwards is listed as A Chizelhurst- Chiselhurst being the home of the West Kent club. I can't help but wonder if this might also have been Betts!Betts' name crops up frequently in the sporting annals of the 1870s and 1880s.The earliest references I have found to him as a footballer come from 1870. His name does not feature in any reports of House matches at Harrow in the years when he would have been at school. In November 1870 he appears on a Wanderers line-up. Betts was also on a shortlist to represent England in the 2nd Alcock International on November 19th, but he wasn't selected and instead appeared in the role of Umpire (discharging his duties with commendable impartiality throughout according to the press). December 1870 sees the first mention of Betts as a West Kent player, and he also played for South vs North during that month.An example of multiple club membership giving rise to possible divided loyalties can be seen in January 1871. West Kent played Wanderers. Betts played for West Kent. In November that year Betts represented England in the 4th Alcock International. 1871 also saw the beginning of Betts' 20 years service as a member of the Board of the Football Association .Betts' status within the game is reflected by his captaincy in 1872 of Middlesex (for a county game vs Surrey) and of Old Harrovians vs Old Etonians. This meant that he captained teams containing such natural leaders as Alcock and Kinnaird. Betts also featured regularly for London in their series of matches with Sheffield, and captained London in 1877.By now Betts had 'matured' into a goalkeeper (although he does not appear to have been Old Harrovians' regular 'keeper in the 1876-77 season). On March 3rd 1877 Betts won his one and only official England cap when he played in goal against Scotland at The Oval.Scotland won by 3 goals to 1. Contemporary reports attributed the Scots' success to combination play. England, on the other hand, retained the old singular approach. This match did not signal the end of Betts' involvement with the international game. In
1885 and 1888 he appeared as an Umpire in the England vs Scotland matches.

21.4.15

In the 1880s the territory of Wyoming was a rough and ready place, small rudimentary settlements based on mineral mining and cattle driving. The sparsely populated area was a refuge for outlaws such as The Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.As recently as 1876 there had been war between 'settlers' and the indigenous people. The territory was not granted state status until 1890.And yet against this frontier backdrop of riders and gunslingers Association football was being played.I came across this fact in Andy Mitchell's First Elevens.

Robert Smith, the former Scottish international had settled in Wyoming, where he established a business with fellow Queen's Park member William Klingner. Smith was a general trader, and was later involved in the newspaper business and politics. On July 4th 1883 Smith, who was then 35, arranged a match between Green River and Rock Springs, Smith captained Green River. Rock Springs won 4-0. This appears to have been a one off, and football didn't really catch on in Wyoming. Smith was a founder member of Queen's Park and the first club captain.He played in the 2nd,3rd and 4th 'Alcock Internationals' (the rarity of an actual Scotsman in the Scots XI). He represented Scotland in the 1st and 2nd official internationals whilst playing for South Norwood. Smith also played in the FA Cup for Queen's Park and was an FA committee member. He went to the USA in 1873.

19.4.15

Hungary had fielded a national selection 3 times in 1901. Their opponents had been the English sides Richmond and Surrey Wanderers (twice) over the course of 3 days in April (11th, 12th and 13th). The tourists had proved too strong for the Hungarians, winning 4-0, 5-1 and 6-1. The Hungarian XI for the first match featured an English player (Windett).Whereas the Hungarian governing body, Magyar Labdarúgó Szövetség, had been founded in 1901, football in Austria at this time was organised on a city by city basis. A national governing body (Österreichischer Fußball-Bund) was not established until 1904. On October 12th 1902 a match was played at WAC Platz, Vienna between teams representing Vienna and Budapest:

Vienna Selection

Budapest Selection

Philipp Nauß

Wiener A.C

GK

Bádonyi Gyula

Budapesti T.C

'Eipel'-Wilhelm Eipeldauer

First Vienna

FB

Berán József

Ferencváros

‘Omlady’-
Emil Wachuda

Wiener A.C

FB

Gabrovitz Emil

Postások

Felix Hüttl

Vienna Cricket and F.C.

HB

Koltai József

Ferencváros

Rudolf Blässy

S.C. Graphia

HB

Pozsonyi Imre

M.Ú.E.

‘Quick’- Raimund Mössmer

D.J. Währing

HB

Bayer Jenő

M.A.C.

Julius Wiesner

Wiener A.C

F

Buda István

Budapesti T.C

Gustav Huber

Wiener A.C

F

Steiner Bertalan

33 F.C.

Engelbert Schrammel

Wiener A.C

F

Pokorny József

Ferencváros

Jan Studnicka

Wiener A.C

F

Hajós Alfréd

Budapesti T.C

Josef Taurer

Wiener A.C

F

Oláh Károly

Budapesti S.C.

The Viennese controlled the game, placing the Hungarian goal under relentless pressure. Josef Taurer put the hosts in front in the 5th minute and Studnicka got a second after 10. Gustav Huber made it 3 before half time and in the second half Studnicka completed his hat trick for a 5-0 win to Vienna. It was agreed during the course of the after match celebrations to hold this fixture on an annual basis.Hajós Alfréd* wrote in Sport Világ magazine that the Austrian advantage had been to have the core of the team made from the players of one club (WAC), whereas the Budapest players were relatively unfamiliar with each others' play

In 1907 Austria,Hungary and Czechoslovakia (Bohemia) were all admitted separately to FIFA.

In 1908 the Austrian and Hungarian Associations agreed to retrospectively designate the 1902 match an official international.

*The Hungary captain was a fascinating man. Hajós, the Hungarian for sailor, was a psuedonym- he was originally called Guttmann Arnold. Hajós was a double gold medal winner in swimming at the Athens Olympics in 1896. He was also a top class runner and discuss thrower. It wasn't all about sport though, he was also an architect of considerable renown. He was responsible for designing part of the Millenáris Sporttelep stadium in which Hungary played their matches. This must have given him considerable satisfaction when he was later coach of the national team.

16.4.15

Santos Football Club was founded on April 14th 1912.The following season the first Campeonato Santista was contested. Four teams took part, Santos, Escolástica Rosa, América and Atlético Santista.Santos' results were as follows:

05.10.13

Santos

5

1

Escolástica
Rosa

12.10.13

Santos

5

2

América

09.11.13

Santos

6

3

Atlético
Santista

23.11.13

Escolástica
Rosa

0

5

Santos

30.11.13

América

1

7

Santos

14.12.13

Atlético Santista

0

7

Santos

This
match was abandoned when Atlético failed to come
out for the second half.

15.4.15

In the 1870s there were few serious competitors aside from Wanderers and the Royal Engineers for the title of the best club in England. It was fitting that these 2 sides contested the first FA Cup Final, and there was a period from 1871 -1875 when the Royal Engineers won just about every game that they played other than FA Cup Finals. Wanderers of course won the FA Cup 5 times in 7 seasons.
In the previous decade matches between the 2 had been far more casual in nature.
Here's an account of an early meeting in which the military metaphors are done to death, Note that the mention of the after match hospitality was almost obligatory in football journalism during the 18th century. Its a curious team list as well...

Kentish Chronicle-19.11.64

Four years later the Wanderers don't come across as one of the leading clubs, managing to muster only 8 players for a home fixture and failing to ensure that there was a football available! The thoughts of the Engineers on travelling up from Chatham for a 35 minute game are unrecorded. As Charles Alcock may (or may not) have said, its a funny old game...

13.4.15

The number of clubs in the Football League in 1919 was 44. In 1921 that number had grown to 86. This expansion was completed by the formation of the northern section of the Third Division in March 1921.There had been reservations from the Football League management Committee regarding both the playing standards and financial security of the Northern clubs. The original Third Division had been largely formed of established Southern League Clubs. In addition to the £100 registration fee and the 10 guineas a year membership, each of the Northern Clubs had to pay the League a guarantee of £50. The grounds of the applicants were subjected to inspection.This was an austere period in the nation's history, with football affected as much as any other area of society. League membership was often perceived as being a guarantee of financial security. None of the clubs listed below has ever reached the top tier of the English game (14 of the 22 clubs that made up the previous season's almost exclusively southern Third Division have reached that level, and 4 are currently in the Premier League). The following 20 teams made up the Third Division North for the 1921-22 season:

Accrington Stanley

The name lives on.The 'Owd Reds were formed in 1891 and joined the Lancashire Combination in 1900. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League. They remained in the Third division until 1960, when they were relegated. During their second season in Division Four they resigned from the Football League. Returning to the Lancashire combination the club folded in 1966. The current League Two club were founded in 1968 and joined the Football League in 2006. AshingtonThe Colliers were founded in 1883. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League.They were relegated from the League at the end of the 1928-29 season. They currently play in the Northern Football League. (9th tier of the Pyramid).

BarrowFounded in 1901. Joined the Lancashire Combination in 1903.1921-22 was their first season in the Football League. They spent 51 seasons in theLeague (11 in Division 4) and failed re election in 1972. They currently play in the Conference North (6th tier of the Pyramid). Chesterfield
Formed in 1919 after a previous League (1899-1909) club of the same name had entered into liquidation in 1915. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League.FA Cup semi-finalists in 1996–97. Currently in League 1 (3rd tier).Crewe AlexandraFounded in 1877. previously in Division Two of the Football League (1892-96). Before their return to the League in 1921-22 they played in The Combination, Lancashire league , Central League Birmingham & District League, Currently in League 1 (3rd tier).DarlingtonFounded 1883. Founding members of the Northern League in 1889. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League. They slipped out of the League in 1989 but returned after just one season. they were relegated out of the League again in 2011 and wound up in 2012.

Durham City

Formed in 1918. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football
League. In 1928 they failed to gain re-election to the league
and returned to playing in the North Eastern League, Disbanded in 1938,

Jimmy Carmichael of Grimsby Town was the season's top scorer with 37 goals

Grimsby TownGrimsby joined the Football League in 1892-93. They were formed as Grimsby Pelham in 1878. They had been relegated out of the League in 1910-11, playing in the Midland League and returning after one season. They finished bottom of Division 2 in 1920-21 and were relegated into the new Third Division North. Remained in the Football league until 2010 and now play in the 5th tier.

Halifax TownFounded in 1911, 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League.They retained League status until 1993 and 1998-2002. Dissolved in 2008. Hartlepools UnitedFounded in 1908. In 1968 they dropped the 's' and the 'United'. The 'United' was revived in 1977. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League and they have spent their entire history in the bottom 2 divisions of the Football League. Currently in League 2 (4th tier).Lincoln CityWhen it comes to League membership Lincoln City (founded 1884) are in and out like the tide. Joining the Third Division North in its inaugural season marked the beginning of their 3rd spell as a League club. They are currently in their 2nd spell in the Conference (5th tier).NelsonThe Admirals currently occupy the 9th tier of the Pyramid. The club, founded in 1881 was dissolved in 1900 and again in 1916. The current incarnation (1918) played in The Central League. 1921-22 was their first season in the Football League and they were members until 1931.

RochdaleThe Dale were formed in 1907. They played in the Lancashire Combination- winning the title twice.1921-22 was their first season in the Football League. They finished bottom and had to apply for re election. They currently play in League 1 (3rd tier) and have never escaped the bottom 2 divisions of the Football League.

Southport Founded in 1881 and known at various times as Southport Central (1888) and Southport Vulcan (1918). They played in the Central League before joining the Third Division North in its inaugural season. Remained in the Football League (bottom 2 divisions) until 1978. Currently in the 5th tier. Stalybridge CelticFounded in either 1906 or 1909 the Celts were the first of 1921's new league clubs to leave the League,resigning after 2 seasons.They previously played in the Lancashire Combination the Central League, and the Southern League. they currently play in the 6th tier.Stockport CountyHeaton Norris Rovers were founded in 1883. In 1890 they adopted the name Stockport County. They joined the Football League in 1900 and were members for 110 years. Currently in the 6th tier. They won the Third Division North in its inaugural season.

Tranmere Rovers

Belmont Football Club changed their name to Tranmere Rovers in 1884, one
year after their formation. They have played in the 3rd tier for the majority
of their time in the Football League, but at present lie in
the 4th tier.

Walsall

Walsall Town was founded in 1877 and Walsall Swifts in 1879. These clubs
merged to form Walsall Town Swifts in 1888. In 1892 the club joined
the Football League and in 1896 changed its name to Walsall FC.

Wigan Borough

Wigan United were founded in 1919. In 1920 they were embroiled in
a scandal over broken time payments whilst playing
in the Lancashire Combination, leading to a name change to Wigan
Association. This name was soon changed to Wigan Borough.
Borough were elected to the new Third Division North despite finishing next
to bottom of the Lancashire Combination. They resigned from the
League in 1931 having succumbed to financial difficulties. They
had spent their 10 years as a League club in the third
division.

Wrexham

North Wales' Wrexham are a truly ancient outfit founded in 1864. This was their first season of League Football.They survived until 2008, and currently play in the 5th tier.

The following were the unsuccessfulapplicants:Castleford TownCastleford was a Rugby stronghold. Town had played in the Midland League since 1909. They went out of business in 1936. Rotherham TownThe Midland League club were the second team to bear the name. In 1925 they merged with Rotherham county to form Rotherham United. Blyth SpartansA name that is almost synonymous with non league football due to the FA Cup exploits of the Tyneside club down the years. They are currently in the 7th tier of the pyramid. Gainsborough TrinityFormer league members (1896 -1912). Currently playing in the 6th tier. Doncaster RoversThe Midland League side replaced Stalybridge Celtic for the 1923–24 season. Currently in the 3rd tier. West StanleyFrom a County Durham mining village . The club ceased to exist in 1959.Wakefield CityAnother Rugby stronghold, Wakefield is the largest city in England never to have had a team in the Football League. City were a new club, having been founder members of the Yorkshire League in the 1920-21 season. Having failed to get into the Football League they joined the Midland League, where they survived one season. The club was dissolved in 1928. Lancaster TownNow known as Lancaster City, currently playing in tier 8.Scunthorpe and Lindsey UnitedThe club has reverted to their original name. They continued in the Midland League until , after many attempts, they were accepted into the Football League in 1950. Currently in the 3rd tier. South Liverpool.Having relocated and changed name this club entered the Football League in 1923 as New Brighton. Dissolved in 1983. There is an extant South Liverpool FC, the 3rd club to carry the name.